This month’s Lowcountry autism events roundup includes Stories of Autism, an autism conference for parents and professionals, opportunities to participate in autism research, and more.
The events below are listed with new or one-time events first and recurring events next, so be sure to read through the end!
Project Rex Reports
Research Study Enrollments Open!
We already have 12 participants enrolled in our Learning Enhancement Through Neurostimulation (LENS) study, which is fantastic! If you’re interested in participating in autism research at MUSC, check out two more opportunities below.
Adults with Autism and Depression
We are currently recruiting adults ages 18-65 who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as Depression for a research study at MUSC. The purpose of this study is to investigate new possibilities for treatment for symptoms of both autism and depression.
Compensation will be available to participants.
Prospective research participants and referring providers are invited to review detailed information about this study at the official information page at ClinicalTrials.gov.
If you or someone you know is interested in being in this study, please call us at 843-647-6799 or email us at henneber@musc.edu
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Adolescent Depression
MUSC is pleased to offer participation in a new study: The treatment of depressive symptoms using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for adolescents ages 12 to 21. Those who have failed a previous trial on anti-depressant medication are potentially eligible. Please see the video above and flyer below and contact Morgan Maddox at 843-876-5141 for more information.
Project Rex in the Charleston Community
We had a great time attending the City of Charleston’s Inclusion Summit and the Charleston Transition Fair last month! Here are a few photo highlights.
Representatives from Harris Teeter, Verizon, Blackbaud, and Kickin’ Chicken participate in a discussion at the City of Charleston’s Inclusion Summit
Erin Henneberry staffing the Project Rex table at the Charleston Transition Fair!
Save the Date for Dr. Gwynette’s Technology and Mental Health Talk!
Our very own Dr. Frampton Gwynette will be presenting at MUSC’s 30th Annual Update in Psychiatry conference, with a focus on Technology and Mental Health!
His talk, “Autism Spectrum Disorder: An update on Gaming, Social Media and Technology” will take place on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 11:30am.
Register for the conference so you won’t miss it!
New or One-Time Events
Stories of Autism Portrait Opportunity
Help raise awareness of autism and receive a free, professional photo portrait of yourself or a loved one at the same time!
That’s the opportunity offered by Stories of Autism, a national project with the mission of raising awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorders.
Read our full blog post to learn more. If you’re interested in scheduling a shoot, don’t delay; portraits must be submitted by March 15!
Sensory Friendly Movies with Lowcountry Autism Foundation
Our friends at the Lowcountry Autism Foundation are excited to announce the upcoming Sensory Friendly Movies showing at Southeast Cinemas – Citadel Mall IMAX 16. Admission is $4 per person, and the movies show at Citadel 16 on Saturdays at 10:00 am.
Upcoming movie dates are as follows:
Saturday, March 18: Beauty and the Beast
Saturday, March 25: Power Rangers
Saturday, April 1: The Boss Baby
Saturday, April 8: Smurfs: The Lost Village
Saturday, April 22: Born in China
Please RSVP Julia Corey by phone or email at 843-876-0415 or coreyj@musc.edu.
Pine Grove Autism Conference
Parents and helping professionals, mark your calendars for the Pine Grove Autism Conference on March 31st in Columbia, SC!
This year’s event will look at interventions and resources across multiple settings (e.g., School, Transitioning into Adulthood, Home). 5 Contact Hours are available for professionals.
The conference offers an educational opportunity for helping professionals, educators, and families at an incredible price ($80 per person). Last year’s event sold out, so be sure to reserve your space soon!
Save the Date for April: Walk for Autism Charleston
This year’s Walk for Autism Charleston is taking place on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 9am in Hampton Park; visit Walk for Autism Charleston’s website to learn more and register!
Ongoing Events
Special Adult Network of Dentists (via Family Connection SC)
Do you or someone you know have special healthcare needs? Are you having difficulty finding a dentist to provide dental care in your area? Contact us so that we may assist you in finding the dental care you need!
The Special Adult Network of Dentists is a project of the Medical University of South Carolina to connect adults with special needs to dental care providers in all areas of the state.
Contact: Joan McLauren, SANDs Program Coordinator at 843-876-0059, mclauren@musc.edu
Charleston Young Adult ASDs
Charleston Young Adult ASDs is a social enjoyment group for young adults (17-32 +/-) in the autism spectrum in the Charleston area. Its purpose is to give individuals the opportunity to:
- Practice different social scenarios in a safe and non-judgmental environment
- Connect with others like them (and realize they’re not alone!)
- Develop skills (through fun activities) to navigate life more smoothly
- Increase chances to make/keep friends and get/keep a job
- Share experience, strength and hope
To get involved, join the Meetup page or the private Facebook group (just click “Join Group” so an admin can approve your request).
Autism Family Network of the Lowcountry
This Facebook group was created to provide South Carolina families a chance to get together to discuss and share topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Click here to join today.
Also note that the Autism Family Network of the Lowcountry (supported by the Lowcountry Autism Foundation) also has a Parent Training and Support Group that meets monthly in Summerville on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm at Bethany Methodist Church.
This month’s meeting is Tuesday, March 28.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Charleston Meeting
The Charleston-area NAMI meeting takes place in Moncks Corner on the first Tuesday of the month.
This month’s meeting is Tuesday, March 7 from 6 – 7:15pm at Moncks Corner Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 500 E. Main St., Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
This meeting is for both individuals in recovery and family and friends of people with mental illness. All meetings are confidential. For a full list of Charleston-area NAMI meetings, visit the NAMI Charleston Area website.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s SuperStars
SuperStars is a FREE, registration-required event in which children with special needs and their families can visit the Museum, explore, and play without the crowds and over-stimulation. The Museum is open before-hours on the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 10am-12pm for this event.
Click here to learn more and register for SuperStars.
Parent Support Group for families of children with Asperger’s, HFA, & related conditions
Location: Cherokee United Methodist Church, 2105 Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm every Tuesday
For families of children with Aspergers, HFA, Anxiety & Related Conditions
Share your concerns and tips with other parents who understand what it’s like to raise a child with special needs. Give and get support in a safe and non-judgmental place.
Free childcare is provided. Contact Tracie Hayward at thayward@familyconnectionsc.org for more info.
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Enjoy!
~ The Project Rex Team
